Glitch Delays Debut Of Heavy-lift Rocket

December 12, 2004|By Michael Cabbage, Sentinel Space Editor

CAPE CANAVERAL -- Saturday's planned launch of Boeing's new Delta 4 heavy-lift rocket was scrubbed because of a problem with the system that controls the booster during the final seconds of its countdown.

The launch -- a test flight carrying a dummy satellite -- has been rescheduled for today during a window that extends from 2:32 p.m. to 5:28 p.m. Forecasters say the chance of acceptable weather is 80 percent.

The so-called Delta 4 Heavy is designed to replace the Titan 4 and carry the Pentagon's largest satellites to orbit. NASA is studying whether future versions of the rocket also could be used to launch manned missions into space.